An abandoned dog has been left blind and is fighting for its life after being shot in the face with a pellet gun.

X-rays have confirmed that up to 60 pellets remain lodged in the dog’s face and back, but she weighs just 20kg and is currently too weak to undergo surgery to have them removed.

The mixed-breed dog, who has been named Fawn by her rescuers at Mayo SPCA, strayed into a house near Knock in Co Mayo last week and was taken in by a family, who alerted the animal welfare organisation.

Fawn has since been treated by a vet, who performed an x-ray and discovered that pellets from a firearm had caused damage to her eyes, leaving her unable to see.

“Fawn was assessed by our vet, who confirmed that Fawn had been shot in the face with a firearm. The pellets remain lodged and her sight is gone,” Mayo SPCA wrote on its Facebook page.

X-ray images show between 50 and 60 pellets in Fawn’s head, face and back; suggesting that she was shot at close range.

“Thank God none of the pellets have penetrated too far and none in the stomach area,” the post continued.

Fawn is reported to be improving since she received treatment last Friday, although she remains at least 10kg underweight and is too weak to undergo surgery.

“She is eating well and becoming accustomed to her new surroundings and family,” according to volunteers at Mayo SPCA.

“To say we were overwhelmed by the response we got to Fawn’s story is an understatement. Tonight Fawn is doing well, she is safe, warm and very much loved.”

Donations towards Fawn’s veterinary care can be made through the Mayo SPCA website: www.mayospca.ie .